Wissenschaftsjournalistin

Brigitte Osterath

Since 2009, I have worked as a freelance science writer and editor for radio, print and online media, in German, English and Dutch. Most of my stories deal with chemistry, health and environment/conservation.

Insects perish at the frontlines of humans' war with nature
Surveys in Europe and North America show a dramatic decline in the number of bugs buzzing around. Although global data are missing, many researchers are convinced this environmental disaster is happening worldwide.
Deutsche Welle, June 2018

Corals in Bonaire: Trouble in paradise
On the island of Bonaire in the Caribbean, a conservation project is hoping to restore the corals to their former glory, and is asking tourists to lend a helping hand.
Deutsche Welle, Living Planet, January 2018

Take a bite
Here's the story of a piranha named "Bert" biting a man's finger - and why the man deserved it! (starts at 18:53 min)
Deutsche Welle, Spectrum, January 2018

Wood as fuel: A good idea?
Is burning wood for fuel bad? I visited an award-winning, model biomass facility in Germany to find out.
Deutsche Welle, Living Planet, December 2017

Bird's eye view: Life at a research aviary
More than 2,000 birds currently reside at a bird research facility in southern Germany. What’s life like for them? Well, a zebra finch explains…
Deutsche Welle, September 2017

Germans divided over return of the wolves
Wolves have been making a comeback, with a few dozen packs already roaming Germany's forests. But the return of a predator feared since ancient times has the human population fiercely divided. (Living Planet)
Deutsche Welle, July/August 2017

Record-breaking snakes
Many people fear them, some people love them. In any case, snakes are fascinating and versatile. Here are the most amazing snake species that evolution has given us.
Deutsche Welle, July 2017

The legacy of Deepwater Horizon
The explosion of the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig in 2010 caused an environmental disaster. But an oil spill like that could happen again, scientists say. Will they be able to prevent worse in the future?
Deutsche Welle, February 2017

Concerns about Trump's impact on science
In Boston, American and international scientists have come together to share their research results. But discussions are focused on Trump and how he is endangering modern science.
Deutsche Welle, February 2017

Colorful fish tanks with destructive side effects
Kids in Germany have been waiting in anticipation for "Finding Dory," which features a forgetful tang fish. But conservationists and animal welfare activists have mixed feelings about it. (Audio)
Deutsche Welle, Living Planet, September 2016

Do animals mourn their dead?
Whales, chimps, dogs - animals seem to suffer when they lose a beloved companion or offspring. Do animals understand death, and do they grieve like humans?
Deutsche Welle, September 2016

Lichens: Astonishing microcosmos
Lichens are the curious result of cohabitation between algae and fungi. Biologist Frank Bungartz tells DW about his passion for lichens.
Deutsche Welle, January 2017

10 facts you probably didn't know about great apes
Bonobos have runny noses, gorillas like to swear and both species have the same blood types humans do. Facts about our closest animal relatives that will surprise and delight you.
Deutsche Welle, April 2016